Date
11-13-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Mary Ann Hollingsworth
Keywords
competencies, cross-theoretical, embodied cognition, neuroscience, sandtray, training
Disciplines
Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Webb-Johnson, Deborah Kay, "A Phenomenological and Transcendental Study of the Lived Experiences of Mental Health Practitioners Acquiring the Competencies to Become a Sandtray Therapy Practitioner" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7612.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7612
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological, transcendental study was to describe the lived experiences of 16 mental health practitioners in North America who acquired competencies through various training programs or certification courses to proficiently integrate sandtray therapy as a cross-theoretical approach. Through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, participants described how they developed the competencies and standards to integrate sandtray therapy as a cross-theoretical approach with diverse populations, while also engaging in dialogue about the need for greater governance and regulation of training programs. The theoretical framework for this study was based on Husserl’s theory of transcendental phenomenology and the embodied cognition theory. Using Moustakas’ four-stage process of epoché, bracketing, reduction, and horizontalization in conjunction with Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework, seven overarching themes emerged: professional standards and regulation, foundational competencies, therapeutic integrity and empowerment, safe and supportive environments, the value and power of sandtray therapy, ongoing professional growth, and its neurobiological foundations. While counseling professionals have not fully embraced integrating neuroscientific principles into their clinical practice, this study’s findings supported the therapeutic value of sensory, symbolic, and neurobiological processes. Furthermore, the study contributed to the growing body of research demonstrating sandtray therapy as an evidence-based approach.
